iLab Design Process

To solve the problem of promoting alternative and active transportation in Chattanooga,
the Alternative and Active Transportation Innovation Lab used design thinking and
the design process (as defined by Doris Pierce). Throughout the two semester course sequence students collaborated in design teams
to work through Pierce's seven design phases.

Design Phases

In this phase groups identified reasons and motivations for promoting the use of active
and alternative transportation in Chattanooga. Groups began by listing the pros and
cons of using alternative and active transportation. Groups than finalized their motivations
by stating a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) (from Robert Curedale's "Design Thinking:
Process and Methods Manual", p. 185).

During this phase groups investigated issues related to active and alternative transportation.
These investigations were driven by the motivations and questions raised by individual
groups and include primary and secondary research.

As part of the investigation phase, students meet with experts including Chattanooga's
Department of Transportation administrator, Blythe Bailey, participated in a design
charrette related to the city's plans to redesign 3rd & 4th street, and traveled to
Washington DC to investigate one of the nation's best cities for active and alternative
transportation. Groups also conducted small-scale surveys to learn more about the
public’s view of the problem. The investigation phase was “completed” on November
19, 2015, with groups turning in a draft “investigation findings” that synthesized
relevant secondary research, summarized findings from primary research conducted by
groups, and explained how the primary and secondary research findings were shaping
the issue the group was investigating. During the Spring 2016 semester groups returned
to the investigation phase as needed, with groups conducting additional primary research
(in the form of observations) and secondary research.

At this point each group defined the problem (related to active and alternative transportation)
they thought needed to be solved. On December 3, 2015, groups presented their problem
definitions to our community partner (PROVA) and other community members. Groups also
submitted 500-word problem definitions and revised investigation summaries. During
the Spring 2016 semester several groups revisited and revised these problem definitions.

During this phase groups used brainstorming exercises to generated ideas for solving
the problem they defined in Phase 3. Brainstorming activities included: NYAKA, Out
of the Box, the 101 Method, and Rolestorming (from Robert Curedale's "Design Thinking:
Process and Methods Manual," p. 338, 335, 314, 346). During the ideation phase groups
also re-defined the problems, with several groups changing the problem they were planning
to solve. At the end of this phase groups had generated lists with dozens of possible
solutions for their problems. The ideation phase was completed on Feb. 9.

At this point groups evaluated the ideas generated in phase 4 and selected an idea
or solution for the problem they defined in phase 3. This phase included a number
of idea selection exercises, including Benefits Mapping, Idea Advocate, and DOT Voting
activities (from Robert Curedale's "Design Thinking: Process and Methods Manual,"
p. 274, 327, 324). On February 18, 2016 groups selected the ideas(s) they wanted to
pursue as a solution to their problem.

As part of this phase groups came up with a plan for the implementation of the solution
selected in phase 5. During this phase groups identified activities and resources
needed to implement their problem solution and generated action plans (from Robert
Curedale's "Design Thinking: Process and Methods Manual," p. 288). On March 22, 2016
groups submitted draft problem solution statements and plans for implementation.